bk amp question

[Mark1]

Hi, I'll start off by listing what I got.

5 channels
rti a5
csi a6
fxi a6
pioneer elite vsx 21

I'm wondering if the reference 200.7 is worth the extra grand over the reference 125.7.

Am I correct in thinking that the only difference in the two amps would be that the 200.7 can play music not even 3 db louder?

I know my setup won't need tons of power but I'd like to be future proofed. Also I'm going to buy new and looking at BK because of its warmer sound.

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

[tonyb]

The 200 is a nice amp and if you can afford it, go for it. Buying an amp is not to play speakers louder anyway so don't let that sway your decision. Both are good, one just has more power and the sound signature should be about the same between the 2.

[mantis]

Mark1,
Why do you want a amp in the first place? With your current speaker package , the vsx21 is more then capable of driving them to reference levels clearly and effetely. I have Installed the vsx21 many many times and never once felt it was under powered in any way. The key is matching the amp to the speakers or visa versa and you did well my friend.
Now if you are looking to improve your sound quality , I suggest looking into the SC models like the SC-35. This has a better preamp section and way better amp section in ICE amps. You will notice way better detail and dynamic range. I have swapped out vsx21 receivers for SC models and it's night and day difference. It's easy to hear the huge differences between the 2.
Now don't get me wrong in any way , I'm a huge B&K fan as they proved to me they have what it takes to built amps that can compete with anyone anywhere near there retail price point. I would Vs anyones amps even 1 to 2 grand more. B&K is one of those companies that just get it right.
Now if you are planning a speaker upgrade , your still pretty safe with owning the SC models from Pioneer Elite. They can handle 4 ohm loads and drive most speakers very well. They surprise me every time I challenge them. The SC-07/27/37 is where you wanna be if you are thinking of harder to drive speakers. The SC-05/25/35 is just a tad less power and slighty noticeable in sound quality but you have to have both receivers on hand to even tell. They are incredibly close. The 7 series offers more features and a few sound improvements , just review the spec's.

To answer your question with the 125.7 vs the 200.7 is not just more power it's sound quality. They 200.7 has a more detailed dynamic punch. It's ability to bring out subtle sounds in recording is where it shines over the 125.7. Both amps are amazing in their own right. The 125.7 is what you will find in the receiver line from the avr307 , 507 and 707 models from B&K. The preamp section is exactly ref30 , ref50 ,ref70 respectively.

I don't suggest adding either amp to your current system as going with a SC model Pioneer ELite receiver will bring you better all around performance. I also feel the SC receivers will compete with the 125.7 easy and with the better preamp sound better then the vsx21 with an amp even if you go for the 200.7.

[Mark1]

That seems to be a good suggestion to get a sc37. I thought the next step for sound quality was to get seperates; amp and pre amp. Wouldn't that just be a waste of 2200 dollars for the elite or dead end upgrade?

Would you still suggest the sc37 before the bk amp then a pre in a year or so? (you might have sold me on the 200.7 do you have additional comments about it? I didn't realize there was more then a 75watt difference.)

This would be the first time I've heard anyone suggest a reciever over a power amp after the years I've been reading these forums, so pardon the additional questions on the subject.

Also thanks very much for shareing your professional opinions.

[Mark1]

To answer your question why, I'm still young and will be improving different components and enjoy electronics and audio. Also like new toys.